Cuba launches own Facebook-style social network titled Red Social

Cuba has launched its own version of Facebook. Red Social is a social network that seems to be targeting university students, and which is apparently sponsored by the country’s Ministry of Education. As you might expect, details of the origins of the network are somewhat shrouded in secrecy.

You can only get to Red Social from within Cuba, but judging by screenshots it would appear that the site is quite similar visually to Facebook. While Facebook famously allows people to connect with others around the world, however, Red Social only allows Cubans to connect with other Cubans. So it’s less Facebook, more Faceleaflet?

This isn’t the first time that Cuba has tried to launch its own version of a popular western website. Last year EcuRed was launched, aiming to be a Cuban version of Wikipedia, but it’s also only accessible from inside the country so sadly it’s difficult to see what gems it offers for those seeking information about such events as the Bay of Pigs and the rise of Fidel Castro.